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Flagyl vs. Cleocin T

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Metronidazole (Flagyl) and Cleocin (clindamycin) are both antibiotics, but they have some key differences. Metronidazole (Flagyl) is a nitroimidazole antibiotic taken orally to treat various bacterial and parasitic infections, including trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis. It is available as a lower-cost generic. In contrast, Cleocin (clindamycin) is a lincosamide antibiotic used vaginally as a suppository to treat bacterial vaginosis and is only available as a brand-name medication, making it more expensive. Metronidazole (Flagyl) can cause serious interactions with alcohol and has a broader range of side effects, including headache, nausea, and metallic taste. Cleocin (clindamycin) can cause vaginal irritation or lead to vaginal yeast infections and damage to condoms and diaphragms. Additionally, Cleocin (clindamycin) is typically used for a shorter duration (3 days) compared to the varying courses for metronidazole (Flagyl).

Metronidazole

(Flagyl)

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Clindamycin

(Cleocin-T)

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Summary for Flagyl

Prescription only

Metronidazole (Flagyl) is an oral antibiotic for adults and children. It's used to treat certain bacterial and parasitic infections, including bacterial vaginosis (a type of vaginal bacteria infection) and trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted infection, or STI). Metronidazole (Flagyl) is taken by mouth, typically 3 times a day. Some common side effects of this medication include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking and for 3 days after stopping metronidazole (Flagyl) because this combination can cause a serious reaction. Metronidazole (Flagyl) is available as a lower-cost generic.

Indications for Flagyl

Treatment of certain bacterial and parasitic infections, including:

Pros and Cons for Flagyl

Pros

  • Taken by mouth
  • Available as a lower-cost generic medication
  • Can be used to treat different types of bacterial infection
  • Immediate-release formulations can be taken with or without food

Cons

Common Side Effects for Flagyl

Please note: These are common side effects reported by people who took extended-release metronidazole (Flagyl)

  • Headache (18%)
  • Inflammation of the vagina (15%)
  • Nausea (10%)
  • Metallic taste (9%)
  • Flu-like symptoms (6%)

Warnings for Flagyl

  • Possible risk of cancer
  • Serious allergic reactions
  • Brain and nerve problems
  • Liver and kidney problems
  • Risk of fungal infection
  • Risk of drug resistance
  • Lower white blood cell counts
  • Interaction with other medications

Summary for Cleocin T

Prescription only

Clindamycin (Cleocin-T) is a topical antibiotic that is used to treat mild to moderate acne. When combined with other acne medications like benzoyl peroxide or retinoids like Retin-A, it can work quite well to treat acne. It's also available in many different formulations like lotion, gel, and solution.

Indications for Cleocin T

  • Acne

Pros and Cons for Cleocin T

Pros

  • Available in generic form
  • Comes in different formulations (gel, solution, lotion, foam, swabs) to fit your lifestyle and perference
  • Works well for the kind of acne that causes large, red, and swollen pimples
  • Usually the first choice acne treatment for mild to moderate acne
  • There are prescription medications available that contain clindamycin combined with other popular acne medications like benzoyl peroxide or retinoid.

Cons

  • You will most likely have to use another acne medication along with clindamycin (Cleocin-T) since it doesn't work as well by itself.
  • It's only preferred for mild to moderate acne. If you have severe acne, your healthcare provider will most likely prescribe an oral medication.
  • If you only have comedonal acne (small skin-colored bumps on the skin) without any red, swollen pimples, your healthcare provider may give you a different medication.
  • Topical clindamycin (Cleocin-T) won't cure your acne, but it will help keep your acne under control.
  • You may need to use this medication for many weeks until you see your acne get better.

Common Side Effects for Cleocin T

  • Skin irritation
  • Dryness
  • Redness
  • Peeling
  • Burning
  • Oily skin
  • Skin that's sensitive to the sun

Warnings for Cleocin T

  • SKIN IRRITATION
  • SEVERE DIARRHEA AND STOMACH CRAMPS
  • SUN SENSITIVITY

Prices with our coupons for Flagyl vs. Cleocin T

Price Card Drug Icon
Metronidazole14 tablets / 500mg
$10.73$14.05
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Price Card Drug Icon
Clindamycin21 capsules / 300mg
$14.57-
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